Goodluck, BAO! -By Tunji Ayoola

As Ekiti State prepares to vote this Saturday, the upcoming governorship election is a simple test of what we all now call the “BAO Effect” rather than a fierce political battle. For Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), this election is the perfect time to protect and continue the steady, peaceful progress he has brought to the Land of Honour during his first term.

In the past, governance in Ekiti was often filled with tension, bitter fights, and political division. Over the last four years, however, BAO has changed the narrative. He has defied the usual chaotic politics by bringing real peace to the state. He has also discarded empty political dramas to focus squarely on the common man, build real infrastructure, and restore the people’s trust in government. Today, the opposition groups are weak, divided, and unable to show us a better plan for the state. Therefore, staying with the current government is simply the logical thing to do.

Oyebanji’s time in office has proven that developing a state does not require noise or confusion. It works best with quiet planning, solid projects, and a governor who remains accessible to the everyday citizen. From civil service reforms to visible community projects, this administration has kept its promises to the voters. As the election gets closer, people across all local government areas see what is at stake. Keeping this government moving forward is a necessity for our daily survival and economy, not just a political slogan.

This election is even more special when you look at our history: this coming October 2026, Ekiti State will turn exactly 30 years old since its creation in 1996. Reaching this 30-year milestone under a governor who was born, raised, and shaped right here at home is a perfect match. For three decades, our state has suffered from a bad habit of changing leaders too abruptly. Breaking this jinx by voting for continuity is the best 30th birthday gift we can give to Ekiti.

To truly understand why the “BAO Effect” has won the hearts of Ekiti people, we can look at what famous social thinkers, like Max Weber and Jürgen Habermas, wrote about good societies. Weber explained that a leader earns the right to rule in three ways: through ancient traditions, standard laws, or personal appeal. He noted that when a leader has a true calling, the people naturally choose to follow him out of deep devotion. On his part, Habermas argued that a healthy society needs an open space where ordinary citizens can gather, speak their minds, and debate issues peacefully without fear of government harassment.

In the past, some Ekiti leaders relied on a loud, aggressive style that divided the populace. Governor Oyebanji has changed that completely. He has combined the official powers of his office with a quiet, humble charm that welcomes everybody. By sitting down with traditional rulers, honouring past governors no matter their political party, and listening to ordinary people, BAO has united us. The recent public endorsement from Muslim leaders across all 16 local governments – promising a massive block of votes – shows this clearly. The people accept him because his peaceful actions prove he is a leader genuinely called to serve.

Before Oyebanji came, the public space in Ekiti was often choked by political intimidation. Oyebanji’s masterstroke was removing bitterness from our politics, turning the state into an open arena where everyone can talk and be heard. He listens to labour unions, works closely with trade associations, and keeps his doors wide open. When civil servants choose to hold a peaceful “Thank You Walk” on May Day instead of an angry protest, you know the relationship between the government and the people has been healed.

The hard facts of BAO’s first term show real changes we can see and touch. The government’s economic plan relies heavily on the Ekiti State Local Content Law. Major projects, like the active Ado-Ekiti Flyover Bridge at the Okeyinmi-Ajilosun junction and the massive Ekiti Indoor Sports Complex, are being built using our own people. This “Zero Capital Flight” policy ensures that every kobo spent on projects goes directly into the pockets of local mechanics, bricklayers, suppliers and indigenous businesses. This policy has succeeded in keeping Ekiti money inside Ekiti.

In healthcare and human development, the results are clear. The government has cut down the deaths of newborn babies and infants by more than half by fully fixing and equipping all our General Hospitals and over 200 Primary Health Centres. The opening of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport has connected our state to global trade, while the “Bring-Back-the-Youths-in-Agriculture” project has put over N1.4 billion in profits into the hands of young local farmers. The ongoing reconstruction of Itawure-Aramoko-Iyin-Ado Highway is also part of the achievements which speak for themselves.

The Holy Book tells us in Proverbs 29:2 that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” The peace, safety and religious harmony we enjoy across Ekiti today is a spiritual proof of a leadership that honours God and respects human beings.

As Governor Oyebanji steps forward to ask for a well-deserved second term, all we are saying is: The road is clear!

May the paths of breakthrough and progress that have opened up for Ekiti never close!

May the Almighty grant him the divine Wisdom of Solomon to lead the state wisely, the physical stamina to sustain this relentless pace of work, and protection against the hidden traps of political detractors!

May BAO’s second term bring plenty to every household, so that our collective hard work will yield a harvest of security and prosperity!

Above all, may peace continue to mount guard over our borders, and may confusion never find a home within Oke Ayoba Villa!

Here’s wishing a prepared, high-performing leader a successful and resounding victory at Saturday’s governorship poll.

Goodluck, BAO, our beloved governor!

▪Ayoola wrote from Omuo, Ekiti State.